Actors study scripts, memorize lines and perform for an audience. Students pursuing an acting career major in theater arts. Many college theater programs award scholarships to talented students with good grades who excelled in high school theater. High school classes in drama and the humanities are helpful preparation for college-level work. The highly selective Julliard School requires drama applicants to provide a letter of recommendation, preferably from an English, history or language teacher, to assess the student’s comprehension and communication skills.

Drama

Many high schools offer drama classes where students learn about acting, memorization techniques, play analysis, set design, costumes, roles and director expectations. Joining drama club is a way to gain hands-on theatrical experience. Drama club activities include playing theater games and working on upcoming high school productions. Other learning opportunities include enrolling in community education classes and summer camps for aspiring young actors. Professional acting coaches are available for hire if a student is highly motivated and can afford acting or voice lessons.

Humanities

The humanities are disciplines that examine the human experience from multiple lenses. College students are required to enroll in humanities classes to meet general education requirements for an associate or bachelor’s degree. Examples of humanities classes include music, theater, language, speech, law, literature, philosophy and religion. In addition to fulfilling general education requirements, a well-rounded education provides an actor with insight, cultural awareness and critical thinking skills.

History

Studying history in high school gives students a deeper understanding of the societal context of dramatic works. In college, theater majors must complete courses in theater history, as reported by the College Board. Classes in history, particularly theater history, help an actor discover the meaning, symbolism, character motivation and plot of plays that depict events from ancient Greece to the present day.

English

The College Board suggests that English classes can help students learn how to read and understand plays. Actors must be able to interpret characters in a script to accurately portray a role. Studying English prepares students to express themselves and appreciate literature. Actors also need command of the English language to understand proper grammar and the meaning of words, according to ONET.

Other Training

According to the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, actors typically work other jobs to support themselves, especially between acting gigs. Acquiring practical skills in high school and college, such as hostessing, waiting tables, carpentry, photography or Web design, will cover living expenses when acting work is not steady. A second job with a flexible schedule will allow time for auditions, rehearsals and performances.

About the Author

Mary Dowd holds a doctorate in educational leadership and a master's degree in counseling and student personnel from Minnesota State University, Mankato. In her 20 years of higher education experience, she has taught classes, served as interim dean of students, and worked in many areas of student affairs, including student discipline, career advising, orientation and violence prevention.